McCann FitzGerald LLP has extensive expertise across the aviation finance sector, advising on the establishment of aviation platforms in Ireland, aviation M&A, as well as corporate reorganisations and restructurings. The practice is co-led by a wide group of individuals: Laura Deignan, who focuses on aircraft finance and leasing; Colm Fanning, who is closely involved in major infrastructure projects; Joe Fay, who has a focus on banking and asset finance; Richard Gill, who is well-versed in cross-border aircraft portfolio financings; Hilary Marren, with a strong track record in advising prominent lessors, financiers and export credit agencies; Ronan Murphy, who is experienced in representing both purchasers and sellers of commercial aircraft; Georgina O’Riordan, who acts for leading lessors, arrangers and lenders across financing and leasing mandates; and Ian Payne, who covers the full life cycle of aircraft transactions. Also recommended is Kate Clancy, who is noted for her focus on banking, aviation finance and asset leasing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Aviation, Asset finance
Position
Partner
Career
Joe Fay graduated from University College Cork (LLM) in 1995 and qualified in 1998. He joined McCann FitzGerald LLP as a Trainee in 1995 and became a Partner in 2005. He specialises in banking and asset finance transactions and has advised many of the main participants in the aviation finance industry during his career.
Joe advises on the structuring and financing of the acquisition, ownership and leasing of aircraft and aircraft portfolio securitisations. He is also involved in advising foreign and domestic aircraft owners and lessors on all aspects of registration of aircraft on the Irish register, operating aircraft in Ireland and establishing aircraft facilities in Ireland. In the course of this work Joe advises on the Irish and EU regulatory framework for the operation and ownership of aircraft and airlines.
Memberships
The Law Society of Ireland, 1998
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Strength of Asset Finance Industry experience. Advisers to leading global industry participants.' 'Professional, knowledgeable, business-focused associates led by Joe Fay and Hilary Marren.' 'The team was excellent throughout – well-coordinated, appropriately resourced, and responsive at every stage.' 'Georgina O'Riordan is excellent. She combines deep legal expertise with strong commercial acumen, offering pragmatic, solutions-focused advice.' 'The Asset Finance team in McCann FitzGerald provides an excellent service and is always very responsive. Legal advice and technical drafting are of the highest standard while also being mindful of our commercial aims. There is a good depth of market knowledge across the team. Very good access to partner-level input where required.' 'Ian Payne is a fantastic lawyer to have in your corner on a deal. He is a commercially-minded lawyer who also possesses excellent drafting skills and attention to detail. Great negotiator who consistently meets agreed closing deadlines.' 'Great knowledge, depth and transaction management capabilities. Fully embedded in our company's way of thinking and doing business. Can see around corners on deals to make everything run as smoothly as possible.' 'Georgina O'Riordan, Ian Payne, Laura Deignan - a great team to work with who clearly look after their associates very well and train them brilliantly. Industry knowledge is exceptional, and they are brilliant on detail.'
Key clients
- AerCap Holdings N.V. AIP Capital Aircastle Advisor LLC BBAM US LP FPG Amentum Limited Genesis Aircraft Services Limited Scandinavian Airline System Sirius Aviation Capital Sky Leasing SMBC Aviation Capital Abelo Capital Aviation Management Limited Altavair Air Lease Corporation Avia Solutions Group plc Aviation Capital Group BOC Aviation Cavic Aviation Leasing (Ireland) Co. DAC CDB Aviation Leasing Crédit Agricole-CIB Dynam Aviation Ireland Limited FGL Aircraft Ireland ITOCHU Corporation Jetran, LLC JLPS Ireland Limited Nordic Aviation Capital ORIX Aviation Systems Limited Sato Aviation Ireland Limited Titan Aviation UMBF Trust and Agency Services Viva Aerobus
Work highlights
Advised on AerCap Holdings N.V.’s debt capital markets activity which has issued instruments totalling $4.9bn including its inaugural benchmark Sukuk issuance of $500m, priced at a profit rate of 4.500% with a five-year maturity period.